3 –53 Before Driving
Driving Tips
Rocking the Vehicle WARNING Do not spin the wheels at more than
56 km/h (35 mph), and do not allow
anyone to stand behind a wheel when
pushing the vehicle:
When the vehicle is stuck, spinning the
wheels at high speed is dangerous.
The spinning tire could overheat and
explode. This could cause serious
injuries.
CAUTION Too much rocking may cause engine
overheating, transmission failure, and
tire damage.
If you must rock the vehicle to free it from
snow, sand or mud, depress the accelerator
slightly and slowly move the shift lever
from 1 (D) to R. Winter Driving Carry emergency gear, including tire
chains, window scraper, flares, a small
shovel, jumper cables, and a small bag of
sand or salt.
Ask an Authorized Mazda Dealer to check
the following:
Have the proper ratio of antifreeze in the
radiator.
Refer to Engine Coolant on page
6-29 .
Inspect the battery and its cables. Cold
reduces battery capacity.
Use an engine oil appropriate for the
lowest ambient temperatures that the
vehicle will be driven in (page 6-27 ).
Inspect the ignition system for damage
and loose connections.
Use washer fluid made with antifreeze—
but do not use engine coolant antifreeze
for washer fluid (page 6-31 ).
NOTE
Do not use the parking brake in freezing
weather as it may freeze. Instead, shift
to P with an automatic transmission and
to 1 or R with a manual transmission.
Block the rear wheels.
Remove snow before driving. Snow left
on the windshield is dangerous as it
could obstruct vision.
Do not open or close the soft top when
the temperature is 5 °C (41 °F) or less.
The material of the soft top could be
damaged by freezing.
Do not apply excessive force to a
window scraper when removing ice or
frozen snow on the mirror glass and
windshield.
Never use warm or hot water for
removing snow or ice from windows and
mirrors as it could result in the glass
cracking.
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4 –26 When Driving
Instrument Cluster and Display
*Some models.Warning/Indicator LightsInstrument Cluster varies depending on model and specifications.
Center of Dashboar d
Warning/Indicator lights will appear in any of the highlighted areasType A
(With Multi-information Display) Type B
(Without Multi-information Display)Instrument Cluster
Warning Indication/Warning LightsThese lights turn on or flash to notify the user of the system o peration status or a system
malfunction. Signal Warning Lights Page
Brake System Warning Light *1*2
7-33
Charging System Warning Indication/Warning Light *1
7-33
Engine Oil Warning Light *1
7-33
(Red) High Engine Coolant Temperature Warning Indication/Warning
Light *1
7-33
Power Steering Malfunction Indicator Light *1
7-33*
Master Warning Indication/Warning Light *1
7-36
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 26 2016/08/11 20:28:47
6 –4 Maintenance and Care
Scheduled Maintenance
Scheduled Maintenance (U.S.A., Canada, and Puerto
Rico) Follow Schedule 1 if the vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions
(severe driving conditions) apply.
Repeated short-distance driving
Driving in dusty conditions
Driving with extended use of brakes
Driving in areas where salt or other corrosive materials are used
Driving on rough or muddy roads
Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation
Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
Driving in extremely hot conditions
Driving in mountainous conditions continually
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2. (Canada residents follow Schedule 2.)
Vehicles using Engine Oil Flexible Maintenance
Engine Oil Flexible Maintenance is available for U.S.A. and Pue rto Rico residents whose
vehicle is operated mainly where none of the following conditions apply:
Extended periods of idling or low-speed operation such as polic e car, taxi or driving
school car
Driving in dusty conditions
If any do apply, follow Schedule 2 with engine oil fixed maintenance.
Once engine oil flexible maintenance is selected, the vehicle ca lculates the remaining oil life
based on engine operating conditions. The vehicle lets you know when an oil change is due
by illuminating the wrench indicator light in the instrument cluster. Change the oil as soon
as possible within the next 500 km (300 mile) or 15 days. Refer page 6-20 for the details.
Mazda Genuine 0W-20 Oil and Castrol ®
0W-20 Oil are required to achieve optimum
performance.
NOTE
Please ensure that the Flexible Oil Maintenance Setting is reset after each Oil and Filter
replacement.
For maintenance guidelines beyond the miles/months listed, follow the maintenance
intervals provided in the Scheduled Maintenance Tables.
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6 –28 Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance Except U.S.A., Canada, and Puerto Rico
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil.
Oil container labels provide important
information.
A chief contribution this type of oil makes
to fuel economy is reducing the amount of
fuel necessary to overcome engine friction.
For maintenance service, Mazda
recommends Mazda Genuine Parts and
Castrol ®
(Mexico only).
(ILSAC)
(Mexico)
Use SAE 5W-30 engine oil. If SAE 5W-30
engine oil is not available, use SAE 5W-20
engine oil. The quality designation SM, or ILSAC
must be on the label. 80
60
4020
0–40 –20 30
100 4020
100
–10–20
–30–40
Inspecting Engine Oil Level 1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level
surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal
operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait at least 5 minutes
for the oil to return to the oil pan.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and
reinsert it fully.
MINMAX
OK
5. Pull it out again and examine the level.
The level is normal if it is between the
MIN and MAX marks.
If it is near or below MIN, add enough
oil to bring the level to MAX.
CAUTION Do not overfill the engine oil. This may
cause engine damage.
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6 –68 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care Plastic Part Maintenance
When cleaning the plastic lenses of the
lights, do not use gasoline, kerosene,
rectified spirit, paint, thinner, highly
acidic detergents, or strongly alkaline
detergents. Otherwise, these chemical
agents can discolor or damage the
surfaces resulting in a significant loss
in functionality. If plastic parts become
inadvertently exposed to any of these
chemical agents, flush with water
immediately.
If plastic parts such as the bumpers
become inadvertently exposed to
chemical agents or fluids such as
gasoline, oil, engine coolant, or battery
fluid, it could cause discoloration,
staining, or paint peeling. Wipe off any
such chemical agents or fluids using a
soft cloth immediately.
High water temperature and high water
pressure car washers are available
depending on the type of high pressure
car washer device. If the car washer
nozzle is put too close to the vehicle or
aimed at one area for an extended period
of time, it could deform plastic parts or
damage the paint.
Do not use wax containing compounds
(polish). Otherwise, it could result in
paint damage.
In addition, do not use an electrical or
air tool to apply wax. Otherwise, the
frictional heat generated could result
in deformation of plastic parts or paint
damage. Interior Care WARNING Do not spray water into the vehicle
cabin:
Spraying water into the vehicle cabin is
dangerous as electrical devices such as
the audio and switches could get wet
resulting in a malfunction or vehicle
fire.
NOTE
Do not wipe the interior using alcohol,
chlorine bleach, or organic solvents
such as thinner, benzene, and gasoline.
Otherwise, it may cause discoloration
or stains.
Rubbing hard with a stiff brush or cloth
may cause damage.
If the vehicle interior becomes soiled
by any of the following, wipe it off
immediately using a soft cloth.
Leaving it uncleaned could cause
discoloration, stains, cracks, or peeling
of the coating, and it will make it hard to
wipe off later.
Beverage or fragrance
Grease or oil
Soiling
Seat Belt Maintenance
1. Clean the soiled area by lightly dabbing
it with a soft cloth soaked in a mild
detergent (approx. 5%) diluted with
water.
2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using
a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
3. Before retracting seat belts which have
been pulled out for cleaning, dry them
off thoroughly and make sure there is
no remaining moisture on them.
MX-5_8FR4-EA-16J_Edition1.indb 68 2016/08/11 20:29:53
6 –70 Maintenance and Care
Appearance Care NOTE
Because genuine leather is a natural
material, its surface is not uniform and
it may have natural scars, scratches,
and wrinkles.
To maintain the quality for as long as
possible, periodical maintenance, about
twice a year, is recommended.
If the leather upholstery comes into
contact with any of the following, clean
it immediately.
Leaving it uncleaned could cause
premature wear, mold, or stains.
Sand or dirt
Grease or oil, such as hand cream
Alcohol, such as in cosmetic or hair
dressing items
If the leather upholstery gets wet,
promptly remove moisture with a dry
cloth. Remaining moisture on the
surface may cause deterioration such as
hardening and shrinkage.
Exposure to direct sunlight for long
periods may cause deterioration and
shrinkage. When parking the car under
direct sunlight for long periods, shade
the interior using sunshades.
Do not leave vinyl products on the
leather upholstery for long periods.
They may affect the leather quality
and coloring. If the cabin temperature
becomes hot, the vinyl may deteriorate
and adhere to the genuine leather.
Plastic Part Maintenance
CAUTION Do not use polishing agents.
Depending on the product ingredients,
they could cause discoloration, stains,
cracks or peeling of the coating. Instrument Panel Top
Maintenance 1. Wipe the soiled area with a soft cloth
soaked in a mild detergent
(approx. 5%) diluted with water.
2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using
a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
Panel Maintenance If a panel becomes soiled, wipe it off with
a soft cloth soaked in clean water and
thoroughly wrung out.
If some areas require further cleaning, use
the following procedure:
1. Wipe the soiled area with a soft cloth
soaked in a mild detergent
(approx. 5 %) diluted with water.
2. Wipe off the remaining detergent using
a cloth soaked in clean water and
wrung out well.
NOTE
Be particularly careful when cleaning
shiny surface panels and metallic parts
such as plating as they can be scratched
easily.
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9 –4 Specifications
Specifications
Specifications Engine Item Specification
Type DOHC-16V in-line, 4-cylinder
Bore × Stroke 83.5 × 91.2 mm (3.29 × 3.59 in)
Displacement 1,997.6 ml (1,997.6 cc)
Compression ratio 13.0
Electrical System Item Classification
Battery 12V-45Ah/20HR
Spark-plug number Mazda Genuine spark plug *1
PE5R-18-110 or PE5S-18-110
*1 The spark plugs provide the SKYACTIV-G its optimum performance. Consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer for
details.
CAUTION When cleaning the iridium plugs, do not use a wire brush. The fine particulate coating on
the iridium alloy and platinum tips could be damaged.
Lubricant Quality Lubricant Classification
Engine oil Refer to Recommended Oil on page 6-27 .
Coolant FL-22 type
Manual transmission oil Mazda Original Long Life Gear Oil IS *1
Automatic transmission fluid Mazda Genuine JWS3309
Rear differential oil Mazda Long Life Hypoid Gear Oil SG1
Brake/Clutch fluid SAE J1703 or FMVSS116 DOT-3
*1 Mazda Original Long Life Gear Oil IS is superior oil for optimu m shift-feel. Using Mazda Original Long Life
Gear Oil IS is recommended.
If Mazda Original Long Life Gear Oil IS cannot be obtained, use standard oil (API Service GL-4 (SAE 75W-
90)). However, shifting in very low temperatures may become difficult.
NOTE
Refer to Introduction on (page 6-2 ) for owner's responsibility in protecting your
investment.
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10 –3Coming Home Light ........................... 4-48
Console Box
...................................... 5-138
Convertible Top
(Retractable Fastback)
........................ 3-39
Convertible Top (Soft Top)
................. 3-34
Cruise Control
................................... 4-100
Cruise control switch ................... 4-100
Cruise main indication (white)/
cruise set indication (green)
........ 4-101
Cruise main indicator light (amber)/
cruise set indicator light (green)
... 4-101
Cruise Control Set Vehicle Speed
Display
................................................ 4-16
Cup Holder
........................................ 5-135
Customer Assistance
............................. 8-2
D Dashboard Illumination ...................... 4-15
Daytime Running Lights
..................... 4-49
Defogger
Mirror
............................................ 4-56
Rear window
................................. 4-55
Dimensions
........................................... 9-5
Door Locks
.......................................... 3-10
Drive Selection
.................................... 4-71
Driving In Flooded Area
..................... 3-55
Driving Tips
Automatic transmission
................. 4-43
Break-in period .............................. 3-51
Driving in flooded area .................. 3-55
Driving on uneven road
................. 3-56
Floor mat
....................................... 3-52
Hazardous driving
......................... 3-52
Overloading
................................... 3-55
Rocking the vehicle
....................... 3-53
Saving fuel and protection of the
environment ................................... 3-51
Winter driving
............................... 3-53
Driving on Uneven Road
.................... 3-56 Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
....... 4-67
DSC OFF indicator light
............... 4-68
DSC OFF switch
........................... 4-68
TCS/DSC indicator light
............... 4-67
E Emergency Starting
Push-starting
.................................. 7-26
Starting a flooded engine
............... 7-26
Emergency Towing
Tiedown hooks
.............................. 7-31
Towing description
........................ 7-30
Emission Control System
.................... 3-23
Ending Screen Display
........................ 4-70
Engine
Coolant
.......................................... 6-29
Engine compartment overview
..... 6-26
Exhaust gas .................................... 3-24
Hood release
.................................. 6-24
Oil
.................................................. 6-27
Starting
............................................ 4-5
Engine Coolant Temperature
Gauge
......................................... 4-13, 4-21
Essential Information
............................ 6-2
Event Data Recorder
........................... 8-20
Exhaust Gas
........................................ 3-24
Exterior Care
....................................... 6-59
Aluminum wheel maintenance
...... 6-64
Bright-metal maintenance
............. 6-63
Convertible Top (Retractable Fastback)
Maintenance
.................................. 6-66
Convertible Top (Soft Top)
Maintenance
.................................. 6-64
Maintaining the finish
................... 6-61
Plastic part maintenance
................ 6-68Inde x
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